Tag Archives: Play your part in God’s grand purpose

When the LIFT team members met in October, we discussed the account of Naaman (2nd Kings) and the one theme that stood out is that God wants to use each one of us. Many of you will remember Naaman, the Aramean army commander with leprosy who was healed by bathing seven times in the river Jordan. Seven individuals are involved in the account that God used in specific ways~Naaman, a young servant girl, King of Syria-King of Israel, Elisha’s servant Gehazi,Elisha the prophet, and Naaman’s servant.

Before we look at how God used each of these individuals, lets set the scene from Naaman’s perspective. At first glance, Naaman appears to be the main character. He is devastated when he discovers he has leprosy (the AIDS of the ancient world). He sees a ray of hope when he hears that a prophet of Yahweh can heal him. Naaman is insulted and angry when the prophet Elisha sent a messenger in his place and told Naaman to bathe in the Jordan River. (vs. 11) Ultimately, Naaman begrudingly obeys the prophet and is healed. (vs. 14) Healed, Naaman finds the peace only God can give and returns to Elisha, acknowledging that “there is no God of all the world except in Israel.” (vs. 15)

But God was not just at work in Naaman’s life. He was using an unlikely group of characters to demonstrate His power. Each of the individuals had a role to play—a job to do for God…

Young servant girl-had information that would help Naaman. She was brave enough to speak out.

King of Syria-sent a letter on Naaman’s behalf. He used his influence to help Naaman, but there was a risk involved if Naaman misused the recommendation.

King of Israel-had to trust he wasn’t being tricked.

Elisha’s Servant, Gahazi-acted on behalf of Elisha and approached Naaman even though Naaman was considered unclean. Gahazi had to remain in seclusion for 7 days before he would be considered clean.

Elisha the Prophet-doing what God had designed him to do. Elisha wanted to be God’s agent one hundred percent in whatever way the Lord chose to use him. Elisha obeyed completely, and uniquely so God received the glory.

Naaman’s Servant—urged Naaman to obey even if it wasn’t what Naaman expected or felt was appropriate.

As we look at each of these individuals, they EACH had a part in God’s divine plan. What if one of them would have said, “No, I don’t want to do that. Someone else will do it”? What about you? Are you Naaman and in the stages of devastation, hopefulness, angry and disgruntled? Or are you a servant girl who needs to give information to someone you are intimidated by? What about the king of Syria or king of Israel? Do you need to vouch for someone or trust someone you’re hesitant to trust? Then there’s Elisha…are you doing what God has asked you to do? Or what about Naaman’s servant? Do you need to tell someone in leadership something that is on your heart but are scared to death because they’re ‘the boss?’

What is God asking you to do today that you are resisting? Wouldn’t it be a blessing if God and others around you knew you were playing your part in God’s grand purpose and could say, ‘there is no God in the world, except the God of the Bible.”